Russia, China Join Hands With India To Fight Terror

In an apparent reference to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jamaat-ud Dawa, blamed for Mumbai attacks, India, Russia and China pressed for "strict observance" of sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council against persons and entities by

PTI [ Updated: October 28, 2009 9:43 IST ]

russia china join hands with india to fight terror

In an apparent reference to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jamaat-ud Dawa, blamed for Mumbai attacks, India, Russia and China pressed for "strict observance" of sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council against persons and entities by the countries concerned.

Foreign Ministers of the three countries, who met in Bangalore on Tuesday under the format of Russia-India-China (RIC), viewed with concern the situation in Afghanistan-Pakistan region and vowed to forge a closer cooperation in the fight against the global menace of terrorism.

At the two-hour-long meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov joined External Affairs S M Krishna in condemning the attack on Indian Embassy in Kabul on October 8 and pressed for bringing to justice perpetrators of all such assaults.

During the meeting, the three Foreign Ministers also discussed collaborative ways of meeting other global challenges like economic recession and climate change besides stepping up cooperation trilaterally in the areas like trade, healthcare, agriculture and disaster mitigation.

A joint communique issued after the meeting said the ministers stressed the "need for strict observance of the sanctions regime against persons and entities listed by the UNSC Committee (under resolution) 1267."

This may be seen in the context of JuD, which was proscribed by the UNSC in December last year for its involvement in the Mumbai attacks but its chief Hafiz Saeed continues to be a free man.

India has been emphasising that Pakistan should implement the UNSC resolution against JuD and Saeed in letter and spirit.

Pakistan, however, insists that Saeed has no involvement in any case of terrorism.

The ministers "stressed that all concerned must implement relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, particularly UNSC Resolutions 1267, 1373 and 1540 and international conventions and protocols against terrorism as well as contribute to implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism," the joint communique said.

During the meeting, India and Russia particularly emphasised the need for Pakistan to do more on fight against all kinds of terrorism, instead of being selective.

The Chinese side, however, defended Pakistan, claiming it was the "frontline nation" in fight against terror, said sources.

At a "press interaction" during which no questions were entertained, Krishna said the three sides were of the view that their cooperation in fight against terrorism and other trans-national crimes will provide stability to the region and world.

Lavrov said the three countries need to be united in confronting terrorism and drug trafficking.

The Chinese Minister said the three countries would make joint efforts for security and stability of the region.